Philippine Eagle: The Great Monkey-Eating Eagle

The Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) is one of the rarest and most powerful eagles in the world, found only in the Philippines.

Identification

It is a large eagle with a shaggy crest, blue-gray eyes, and a massive beak. It can reach over 1 meter in length, making it one of the longest eagles.

Habitat

This eagle lives in montane and lowland rainforest, requiring vast territories. It was once called the “monkey-eating eagle” for its habit of taking primates.

Conservation

Fewer than 400 pairs are thought to remain. Forest loss is the main threat, and breeding centers work to captive-breed and release birds. See Conservation.